BK Saves Two Consecutive Days

kim Byeong-hyeon (24·Boston Redsox) returned as `the guardian of Redsox` saving his team in the recent 2 consecutive games.

Kim Byeong-hyeon came up to the mound to pitch at the bottom of 9th inning in the away game against Chicago Whitesox on the 3rd at US Cellular field while his team was leading the game 2-1. All 3 hitters failed to hit with 3 pop-up flies. Kim added one more save. Two consecutive save after winning the game against Philadelphia Pillies in the previous day.

Kim now marks 7 wins, 9 losses and 12 saves, and his average ERA down to 3.65 from 3.71 since he moved to Boston.

This is the 5th time in the season Kim Byeong-hyeon marked a save in a one-point game. Now Kim will be able to silence the adverse criticism that commenced when he allowed 2 runs by 2 hits (1 homerun) in one inning against New York Yankees on last 31st. It is also interpreted that he regained credibility as `closer` from the manager Grady Little, pitching in a tricky situation with only one-point lead.

Kim Byeong-hyeon experienced a dizzy moment when the first hitter Paul Konerko hit a foul that just missed the left pole with 2 strikes and no balls, but got him by a fly toward the left fielder after 7 pitches. Jose Valentin hit a foul fly toward the 3rd baseman, and the last batter Joe Crede a fly ball toward the left fielder after 3 pitches.

Kim pitched 15 balls this day, among which 11 were strikes, showing that he recovered confidence after gaining victory in the previous game.

Boston tied the game in the 2nd inning while trailing Chicago 0-1 with Trot Nixon`s solo homerun, and reversed the game with Gabe Kepler`s solo homer in the 6th inning. The two hits by Boston this day were both homeruns.

Meanwhile, Choi Hee-seop (24·Chicago Cubs) came in to play in the comeback game against Saint Louis Cardinals the same day at the top of 9th inning as substitute defender, but without a hit during the two times at the batter box and a walk. He is hitting 0.221.

Park Chan-ho (30·Texas Rangers) suffering back injury finished his season, listed in the 60-day DL. He was diagnosed not to pitch in the remainder of the season.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com